I don’t know about you, but I find it more and more difficult to watch or follow modern day media. This is a sharp change in behavior for me as I have been involved in public life for as long as I can remember. Being a part of the solution has kept me interested and active in my community’s present and future. 

This was my father’s admonition from the time I could understand and discuss public events with him. If I was outraged by an event on the world or local stage and complained to him about it, he would tell me to get involved. Don’t let someone else do the work that all citizens need to do. 

Back then-all those years ago-the information network was limited to three television stations and newsprint. We had those sources in our home and followed them every day. Controversy seemed more manageable. Today, it seems overwhelming to me.  

What are we missing? This Sunday’s reading from Ephesians brought me a gigantic ray of hope. And it doesn’t appear to me that it would be too difficult with some affirmative action on my and, yes, your part. Taking the initiative to start with personal action. 

Here’s what Paul tells the people of Ephesus that they need to do: 

V. 32 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 4:25-5:2) 

Oh, it will take some time, but if we start to take positive steps in this direction, we will succeed! I am sure of it. I am sure of it because we have the unconditional love of God to support us and move us forward. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us through the darkness. We have the example of Jesus Christ in his own life to show us the way.  

Take heart in this action. One tiny step at a time. 

Terri